Welcome to the blog of Jo Ann Manolis Photography! I’m a wedding, portrait, and fine art photographer based in Santa Cruz, CA. I’ve created this blog as a means of sharing my work and life with my clients, family, and friends. I’ll be updating it regularly with my latest work, thoughts and ideas regarding photography and art, and links to many fabulous artists and vendors. So, take a look around, enjoy, and leave me a message here if you’re inspired. I can also be reached directly by e-mail via my website: joannmanolisphotography.com, or by phone at: (831)359-7948. Thanks for stopping by!

Guess what? One of my portraits of my lovely and talented friend Amy Williams was published in the November issue of C magazine, the fabulous California Style magazine. I spied the magazine in the airport today while waiting for a flight and was so tickled to see my image inside that, well…I bought five copies. Don’t laugh, this is my first time being published. Amy was featured in the “Inside” section, where she shares her favorite local eateries, boutiques, and other spots in the Los Gatos area. Thanks Amy for being so fabulous and thanks to the talented Melissa of Ruby Press for this opportunity. If you happen to see this month’s issue of C magazine (with the ever stunning Winona Ryder on the cover), be sure to grab it and read about Amy’s favorite things.

Our friends at Peek just launched their new Holiday line…isn’t it fabulous?

Check out Peekkids.com, Peek’s newly launched e-commerce site featuring one of my images on nearly every page. I love the clean design, modern aesthetic, and the easy-to-navigate set-up. I’m grateful to my dear friends at Peek for the opportunity to photograph so many amazing kids. Photographing for them is always a bit of an adrenaline rush…challenging, scary at times, fun, hilarious, and wonderful all at the same time. I never get bored and am always stretched to try things outside of my comfort zone, which I deeply need as a photographer and as a person.

At the end of the day though, when I look over the images I am always reminded that it’s really not about me.

It is really all about these tiny little souls and how they’re finding their voices in this enormous world…

Pat and I had such a blast at the Peek…Aren’t You Curious Corte Madera store last Sunday. We did 20 mini photo shoots for customers during an in-store event. Check out just a few of the cuties…

Thanks to all of the awesome kids and their fabulous parents for making the day so much fun. And…a huge shout out to Megan, the amazing store manager who made the entire day incredibly pleasant and seamless. If you have not been to the Corte Madera store, you must stop by. Click here for more store info. Also, Peek’s brand spankin’ new e-commerce website will be launching soon…I will keep you posted.